Russia

Trip number 18 to Samara is just a few days away. My suitcases have yet to be packed, but my itinerary is (packed) with opportunities to share and bless and learn. Several amazing and encouraging words have been spoken over me–so I’m bursting with anticipation. Something great is happening! Many continue to ask what I do in Russia–and that can best be answered by just two words: I water. For a longer explanation, click this link which will take you to a guest post I wrote five years ago for Holy in the Daily. This year I’ll be doing my…

So, by this time tonight, I’ll be buckling my seatbelt, saying a prayer for protection, and taking off for the other side of the world. LAX to Munich to Frankfurt to Samara. Whoa. Sometimes, I still can’t believe I do this thing. But before I go and am out of touch for almost 30 hours, I want to say THANK YOU to: – those who encouraged me – those who donated money to CrossRoads – those who collected and made gifts/souvenirs (one suitcase is 50 lbs full of them!) – those who have joined my blog! WELCOME! – those who have committed…

Right now in Samara, Russia, over 50,000 people are known to be HIV infected. The battle for lives and souls rages, and the CrossRoads ministry is on the front lines. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” but against the forces that keep young people blinded to the truth. Discouragement is a temptation. The results of our 15+ years of teaching, training, praying, serving are often hidden, nebulous, or just plain invisible. This recent letter on this very issue from Alla (my hostess and ministry partner) put a huge smile across my face. I hope it will yours. Alla says:…

Admittedly, world geography is not a popular subject in the US public education system. Many people ask about exactly where I go on these adventures to Russia, and when I say SAMARA is about 500 miles east-southeast of Moscow, I often get that “eyes glaze over” response and an uncertain nod. So, for all of you inquiring minds who really want to know… (click on icon if your browser doesn’t show the map.) On this map of eastern Europe and Asia, between Moscow (red dot) and the Caspian Sea (lower left) you will see Samara – slightly to the east…